“I Don’t Want To Comment”: Zwane Distance Himself From Vandala Transfer Saga
AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane has declined to get involved in the administrative controversy surrounding Mncedi Vandala’s transfer, following the player’s recent arrival at the Durban club.
Vandala was unveiled by Usuthu in July after spending last season with relegated Magesi FC and even trained with the Durban-based club during pre-season.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when Sekhukhune United released a statement welcoming the player back to their ranks.
It emerged that Vandala had been on loan at Magesi from Sekhukhune, and AmaZulu allegedly signed him without realizing he remained under contract with Babina Noko.
“To be quite honest, there are things I will leave for the management of the club to deal with,” Zwane said on Wednesday.
“I wouldn’t want to answer that one. I will leave it to the team because I have to respect the club he was with before. As a coach, I don’t want to comment further on the Mncedi Vandala situation.”
Last month, Usuthu officially unveiled Vandala alongside left-back Omega Mdaka, winger Khomotjo Lekoloane, Keenan Phillips, Gape Morale, Ivorian goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi, and Kenyan striker Moses Shumah.
While the remaining new signings are all in camp with Usuthu, Vandala’s status remains in limbo.
In an intriguing twist, AmaZulu could line up against Vandala this Sunday when they host Sekhukhune United at Chatsworth Stadium in the MTN8 quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Usuthu have brought former defender Samkelo Mgwazela back for trials as he looks to reignite his career after a spell without a club.
Mgwazela originally joined Usuthu from the Golden Arrows development setup ahead of the 2020/21 season, coinciding with President Sandile Zungu’s acquisition of the franchise.
The defender played an integral role as Usuthu finished second in the Betway Premiership to secure historical CAF Champions League qualification under Benni McCarthy. He even featured in six continental matches during AmaZulu’s historic 2021/22 CAF Champions League group stage campaign.
Mgwazela—who notably pocketed Samir Nurkovic during a standout performance against Kaizer Chiefs that season—parted ways with Usuthu at the end of the 2022/23 campaign after playing 33 matches in all competitions.
He was most recently on the books of Casric Stars (now rebranded as Real Native).
Zwane confirmed that the 26-year-old requested an opportunity to train with the team and earn a contract.
“I knew Mgwazela before I came on board. He did very well during his previous spell here, and I don’t know what happened after that. I also didn’t want to focus on that. I looked at where I am now, and right now I’m in KZN,” said Zwane.
“Mgwazela is a KZN boy, and I’m here to give KZN players a chance. It’s not about anything else people might think.
“If you want success in the future, charity begins at home. Before I think of giving players from outside an opportunity, they must be better than the players we have here in KZN, to be quite honest.
“I feel KZN players deserve better.”
